A Guide To Shutter Types & Terminology

Shutter Types & Terminology
Shutter types:
External Aluminium Shutters are specially designed for outdoor use.
Internal Aluminium Shutters are for indoor use only. A lighter grade aluminium with most of the same fitting options as internal timber shutters.
PVC Shutters are a painted product just like timber but are heavier in construction than their timber cousin and installation restrictions may apply.
Painted Timber Shutters are considered the top of their class for interior shutters. The only shutter type that can also be custom made to suit special shape windows with angles, arches or round.
Fixed Louvre Shutters are used for decorative purposes on either side of a window outside or as cupboard doors, room dividers and screening.

Shutter terms:
Blade: the moving part that makes up the centre of the shutter panel. Sometimes also referred to as louvres or slats.

Folding: 2 panels hinged together so they fold onto each other in a concertina effect.

D-Mould: a piece of timber added to the front of the shutter panel to cover the light gap when 2 shutters meet side by side.

Elliptical Blade: a gentle curve front to back of blade, like the cross section of a plane's wing. Also known as Aerofoil.

Exterior: exposed to weather and pollution outside the home or building.

Finish: the surface treatment of the shutter, from finishes like paint, powder coat or stain.

Fixed Panel: doesn't open on hinges, sits in place with movable louvre blades.

Flat Blade: unlike elliptical blades, the cross section is straight - this has a bullnose edge.

Hardware: installation items such as screws, hinges, Hoffman keys and tracking systems.

Mid-rail: the centre rail or divider rail.

Non-mortice hinge: a type of hinge which folds into itself and doesn't require mortising.

Panel: one shutter consisting of stiles, rails, blades and tilt bar/rod.

Top & Bottom Rails: horizontal pieces that support the shutter top and bottom.
Tilt bar/rod: acts like a handle interconnecting the shutter blades to act as one.

Reveal: the inside of a window sill/frame.

Sliding: panels are installed on tracks to slide across the face of the opening.

Stiles: upright timber pieces that support blades in a shutter panel.

Tensioner: a means to control the feel and operation of the blades.